Friday, November 26, 2010

DeAndre went to his first High School dance this year. I insisted on being part of picture taking even though he would have preferred I didn't. Apparently, I have officially entered the phase of "embarrassing parent." :( We had to go shopping for a suit coat...um...who knew those things are over $100!!! I am hoping that he will be able to wear it again before he outgrows it. His group of friends all went together and had dinner first at The International Country Club. Very Fancy! I think it was fancier than any place I've ever been too! It was so fun to see him all dressed up and with his date, which was his girlfriend at the time. They have since broken up (I think I was more upset than he was, in fact I know I was) but are still friends. There was even an after party! After confirming that parents would be in home for the party, I agreed to let him stay out until 1 am. Olivia wasn't happy. I heard her mumble that being the oldest child "sucks." :)

Thursday, November 18, 2010

On September 20th we welcomed Roman to the family. What a little doll he is! He loves to cuddle and to eat! He is now 2 months old and weighs 13.1 pounds. He is a little chunk that I love to squeeze...Rocco loves him and gives him kisses freely. We have to beg Rocco for kisses and call ourselves lucky if we get one. Sometimes, our little feisty 2 year old gets jealous and screams as loud as he can until all eyes are on him. Still, he loves little Roman and so do we!

Virginia is beautiful in the fall. We took Rocco to an apple orchard with his friend Hartley to pick apples and pumpkins. He decided he wanted to eat them along the way...dad was pretty useful in getting him tall enough to reach the apples. Rocco thought it was funny to pick the apples and throw them at his Grandma. She laughed and laughed and so the apples kept flying at her head!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

It has been way too long since I have updated our blog...so much has happened and life seemed to spin out of control for awhile. It all started when Matt was offered a dream job in Washington DC. Moving a family of five across the country is a HUGE undertaking and we had a ton of things to consider. In the end, we made the decision to move and had three weeks to do it. Much was left behind...family, friends, education and OLIVIA! She was in her senior year of high school and we didn't feel right pulling her out and having her switch schools. She stayed behind with our great friends, The Schmokers, who took excellent care of her. She visited at every break and we talked every day. Still, it was a challenge to have our family split up for almost 9 months. I dropped out of my final year of grad school at ASU and planned to continue my education at a DC school instead. Hopefully, that will still happen at some point. Matt was able to continue his teaching position at ASU by offering his class on-line, but he did say goodbye to the Tempe Police Department. They were good to him but exciting things were on the horizon. His job is with a software company that has a contract with the Department of Defense...and that is all I know and so all I can reveal!

Matt flew out to DC early to find us a house. Scary...but he did a great job and found us the perfect house!

DeAndre missed the first few weeks of 8th grade but we arrived just in time for him to try out for the travel basketball teams. He made one of the teams and made many new friends right away. The lifestyle here is much faster paced but it is also somewhat traditional. There is a strong sense of community and family in Chantilly. Chantilly is a suburb of DC...it is beautiful here, especially in the fall. Still, home is Arizona and I struggled being so far away from my friends and the comfort of knowing what is around the next corner...

Little Livvy Latin Lou

She has always been Miss Independent! Her gifts are many but her generous spirit and unconditional acceptance and love for others set her apart. She works hard, is incredibly grateful for her charmed life and gives back with ease. We are so proud of her example of simple kindness. We hope she stays home forever!

D

DeAndre is 17. He is handsome and charming and is easy to adore. We are proud of his athletic accomplishments, his energy and his love of life. He makes parenting easy. His life is one big highlight reel and we are excited to be in it!

Rocco Love

Our little sunshine is now 4! He is bright eyed and sassy, sensitive and sweet. And just like his mommy, he calls it like he sees it! What a joy and a delightful challenge he is!

RoRo

Our sweetest baby is 2! He gives love so freely and sweetly that we are convinced he is an angel. He is wise beyond his years and teaches us about life in a new way everyday. He is truly a precious being. What a perfect addition to our family!

About Me

We are not your conventional family. If there is a "right way" to create a family, we did the opposite! We live life on our terms, we love and embrace each other as is. We refuse to attempt to change our children or force beliefs on them and instead cultivate who they are and encourage critical thought so they may create their own fulfilling, spiritual paths. We believe that peace in our home creates peaceful, loving people that will flourish in life. This remains our constant aim...may peace be with you.